U.S. patent application number 11/994681 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for handle device.
This patent application is currently assigned to HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH & CO. KG. Invention is credited to Stefan Neuhoff, Manfred Rohlfing.
Application Number | 20080314097 11/994681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37081665 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080314097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rohlfing; Manfred ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
Handle Device
Abstract
The invention relates to a handle device for a vehicle door,
comprising an outer shell with a metal layer at least on the side
facing away from the vehicle door and a cavity in which a sensor
system for the keyless activation of a locking and unlocking system
is arranged. According to the invention, the outer shell (4) has a
free surface (7) with no metal layer, provided with a first sensor
element (6a) arranged in the sensor system (6a, 6b, 6c), which has
a touch- or proximity-sensor embodiment.
Inventors: |
Rohlfing; Manfred; (Velbert,
DE) ; Neuhoff; Stefan; (Essen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
20 Church Street, 22nd Floor
Hartford
CT
06103
US
|
Assignee: |
HUF HULSBECK & FURST GMBH &
CO. KG
VELBERT
DE
|
Family ID: |
37081665 |
Appl. No.: |
11/994681 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
June 27, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2006/063597 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
70/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 81/78 20130101;
Y10T 70/5973 20150401; Y10T 292/57 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
70/256 |
International
Class: |
E05B 65/20 20060101
E05B065/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2005 |
DE |
10 2005 031 441.4 |
Claims
1. A handle device for a vehicle door, comprising: an outer shell
with a metal layer % at least on a side facing away from the
vehicle door and cavity in which a sensor system for keyless
activation of a locking and unlocking system is arranged, wherein
the outer shell has a free surfaced with no metal layer, provided
with a first sensor element arranged in the sensor system, which
has a touch- and/-or proximity sensor embodiment.
2. The handle device according to claim 1, the sensor system is
accommodated by a modular unit, which completely surrounds the
sensor system.
3. The handle device according to claim 2, wherein, the modular
unit extends into the cavity of the handle device and closes off
the cavity at least on one side.
4. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein, the free
surface is constructed in a form of a recess, which is embodied on
the side of the vehicle door facing away from the outer shell.
5. The handle device according to claim 2, wherein, the modular
unit has an activation region, in which the first sensor element is
arranged.
6. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, the activation
region, a shape of which is adapted to a shape of a recess, is
accommodated by the recess.
7. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, the outer shell
is constructed with a stop surface, which is in contact with the
activation area.
8. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein, the free
surface is arranged on an edge region of the handle device, the
free surface having an open embodiment on one side.
9. The handle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the first
sensor element is a capacitive sensor and/or a Hall sensor and/or a
piezo-sensor.
10. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, the surface of
the activation region is arranged to be flush with the outer
shell.
11. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, the activation
region is positioned in a recess below the surface.
12. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein, the metal
layer is a chrome layer.
13. The handle device according to claim 1, wherein, the metal
layer (has a thickness of 30 .mu.m-1 mm.
14. The handle device according to claim 2, wherein, the sensor
system has a second sensor element facing the vehicle door.
15. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein, the second
sensor element is a capacitive sensor.
16. The handle device according to claim 14, wherein, the sensor
system has a printed circuit board, with which the first and the
second sensor element are connected.
17. The handle device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, the
modular unit is fixed to the outer shell with a positive fitting
and/or a force fitting and/or a material connection.
18. The handle device according to claim 16, wherein, the modular
unit comprises of a plastic material, in which the first, the
second sensor element and also the printed circuit board are
embedded.
19. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, a screening
element is arranged in the modular unit in such a way that the
first sensor element lies essentially between a surface of the
activation region and the screening element.
20. The handle device according to claims 19, wherein, the
screening element is a plate-shaped body made from a metal, or a
plastic foil with a metallic coating, or a metal foil.
21. The handle device according to claim 2, wherein, the modular
unit is constructed T-shaped on a side having the first sensor
element and closes off the cavity in this side.
22. The handle device according to claim 2, wherein, the modular
unit is fixed in a form-fit way in the cavity.
23. The handle device according to one claim 1, wherein, an
activation distance of the first sensor element constructed as a
capacitive sensor is lower than 30 cm.
24. The handle device according to claim 5, wherein, the sensor
system is fixed in the cavity in such a way that a surface of the
activation region is located inside the cavity and is in contact
with inner walling of the outer shell, wherein at the same time the
free surface is arranged above the activation region on outer
walling of the outer shell.
25. The handle device according to claim 1, further comprising, a
locking cylinder part, which is fixed at a distance from the handle
device on the vehicle door, wherein facing surfaces of the locking
cylinder part and of the handle device are embodied without a
metallic coating on their surfaces.
26. A motor vehicle with a handle device according to claim 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a handle device for a vehicle door,
comprising an outer shell with a metal layer at least on the side
facing away from the vehicle door and a cavity in which a sensor
system for the keyless activation of a locking and unlocking system
is arranged.
[0002] It is self-evident that the vehicle door can also be
understood to mean a rear hatchback door or boot lid instead.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0003] To one skilled in the art, a plurality of keyless locking
and unlocking systems are known. In DE 196 17 038 C2 a locking
system for a motor vehicle is described, which is interrogated by a
vehicle-sided control unit after triggering of a (capacitive)
sensor by an operator-specific data carrier.
[0004] One possibility is based on the notion that the control unit
concerned begins a data exchange with the data carrier and in this
manner compares the data supplied by the data carrier with the
identification data stored in the electrical control unit. An
operator desiring entry therefore no longer needs to have a
matching key to a locking cylinder. Rather, his operator-specific
data carrier unlocks the motor vehicle concerned for him without a
key (keyless entry).
[0005] In order to start the relevant data exchange or data
interrogation between the control unit and the operator-specific
data carrier, in DE 196 17 038 C2 a capacitive sensor is proposed,
comprising at least one electrode, which is integrated in the
handle device as a capacitive sensor, wherein a second electrode of
the capacitive sensor is arranged in the area of the handle device
on the door side as a component of the door-panel construction. By
means of this type of configuration, an electric field is set up
between the two aforementioned electrodes. The capacity of the
capacitor formed in such a way between the two electrodes is liable
to be changed by the dielectric of a human hand entering the region
of the electric field, and therefor to be sensed. In other words a
capacitor is provided by the two electrodes, on one side in the
handle device, on the other in the door panel, the capacity of
which is changed if a human hand is introduced between the two
electrodes. Because due to this process the relative dielectric
constant of the capacitor formed varies and thereby its capacity,
which in turn can be measured and analysed for triggering the data
interrogation.
[0006] Other examples of keyless locking and unlocking systems are
disclosed in DE 103 31 440 A1, DE 103 07 673 A1 and also in DE 102
34 231 A1.
[0007] In order to facilitate a keyless locking of the vehicle door
for the operator, in DE 196 17 038 C2 a second sensor fitted in the
outer shell of the handle device is proposed. It has been shown
that in handle devices having in particular a metal layer on their
surface, which can serve as a decorative surface, interference can
occur to the functioning. That means that in some application
instances the sensor system positioned underneath the metal layer
cannot be reliably activated, which is associated with a
non-activation of the locking and unlocking system. This is not
comprehensible to the operator concerned. This is where the
invention intends to provide assistance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The problem addressed by the present invention is to produce
a handle device for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, in which the
disadvantages cited are avoided, in particular a handle device is
provided, which is simply constructed, can be assembled at
relatively low cost and enables the user to open and lock all
openings of the vehicle in a comfortable and safe manner via a
locking and unlocking system.
[0009] Also provided according to the invention is that the outer
shell has a free surface with no metal layer, provided with a first
sensor element arranged in the sensor system, which has a touch-
and/or proximity sensor embodiment. This means that the first
sensor element is directed towards the free surface. It is
particularly advantageous that the available free surface
guarantees reliable functioning as regards the keyless activation
of the locking and unlocking system via the sensor system, in
particular via the first sensor element. The user can for example
activate the first sensor element with their hand by approaching
the free surface, by stroking over or touching the free surface
(with or without application of pressure), by which action for
example a closing process of the vehicle door is effected. In this
embodiment of the invention the free surface simultaneously has the
function of an activation surface, which in a possible construction
form can be coloured in such a way that the operator unmistakably
recognises this surface as an activation surface for a locking and
unlocking system. It is conceivable for example to construct this
free surface so as to be essentially the same size as a thumb. In
this case, the operator takes hold of the handle device and at the
same time touches the activation surface which is formed by the
free surface. For design engineering reasons the rest of the outer
shell can be fitted with a metal layer, without this affecting the
functioning of the sensor systems, in particular of the first
sensor element.
[0010] In one possible embodiment of the invention the sensor
system is accommodated in a modular unit which completely surrounds
the sensor system. This modular unit, which is preferably made from
a plastic, simultaneously protects the sensor system from possible
damage during installation in the handle device or during permanent
operation. Advantageously, the first sensor element is connected to
a printed circuit board, which is protectively embedded in the
modular unit.
[0011] For reasons of expediency the modular unit extends into the
cavity of the handle device and closes off the cavity at least on
one side. The modular unit is a type of insertable container, in
which the electronics of the sensor system is contained. The handle
device, which is produced as an injection moulded part made from
plastic, in particular by means of a gas-assisted forming process
and preferably constructed with thin walls, has an opening on one
side through which the modular unit is guided during the
installation. An opening can also be embodied on the handle device
on the opposite side, through which for example the sensor system
exchanges data with the vehicle over data cables. The modular unit
is preferably matched to the cavity contours, so that in the
inserted state the outer walling of the modular unit are in contact
with the inner walling of the cavity. The modular unit positioned
inside the handle device can for example fill up only a part of the
cavity or in a further configuration construction form of the
invention essentially take up the volume of the entire cavity. It
is particularly advantageous that the sensor system can be quickly
inserted in an installation-friendly manner into the handle device,
whereby at the same time the modular unit reliably closes off the
cavity of the handle device on one side.
[0012] In a further alternative of the invention the free surface
can be constructed in the form of a recess, which is embodied on
the side of the vehicle door facing away from the outer shell. If
the modular unit is inserted inside the cavity, at least one region
of the modular unit remains freely accessible to the user. In a
preferred alternative, the free surface is arranged on the side of
the handle device facing away from the door, so that the modular
unit on the recess is visible to the user. It is in this visible
region, which is referred to in the following as an activation
region, where in a preferred construction of the handle device the
first sensor element is arranged. In this case the activation
region, the shape of which is matched to the recess, is
accommodated by the recess. That means that the contour of the
recess is essentially adapted to that of the activation region.
Especially advantageous is the fact that the modular unit also
incorporates the activation region along with the sensor system,
which simplifies the subject matter of the invention.
[0013] In a further possible construction of the handle device the
surface of the activation region can be arranged to be flush with
the outer shell. The first sensor element is for expediency
purposes is positioned at a small distance from the surface of the
activation region, whereby the first sensor element can be
constructed as a capacitive sensor and/or a Hall sensor and/or a
piezo-sensor. This means that the first sensor element can consist
of either one or also of multiple sensors.
[0014] In an alternative embodiment it is conceivable to position
the activation region in the recess below the surface. In this case
the surface of the activation region is arranged in a recessed
manner to the surface of the outer shell of the handle device. With
this recessed positioning the first sensor element, if it takes the
form of a touch sensor, is protected from unconscious and undesired
operation on the part of the user.
[0015] In one possible embodiment the first sensor element can
immediately effect a locking and unlocking process of the vehicle
door by means of an appropriate activation. It is of course
possible that a security check is introduced first of all, which
examines whether the user is authorised to carry out a process of
closing or opening of the vehicle door. Checking devices of this
kind are described for example in DE 103 31 440 A1 or in DE 196 17
038 C2.
[0016] The capacitive sensor, which works as a proximity sensor,
has an activation distance lower than 30 cm, preferably less than
15 cm, more preferably lower than 5 cm and particularly preferably
lower than 1 cm. The deliberately low choice of activation distance
has the purpose that activation of the capacitive sensor only
occurs due to a conscious approach of the user's hand in the
proximity of the activation surface. The essential component of the
capacitive sensor is a capacitor, the capacity of which increases
on the approach of an object (for example the operator's hand).
This change can be used as a measurement reading for example of the
distance of the object from the sensor. In this case, the capacity
between a measurement electrode and an electrical earth can be
measured. The earth can be formed by an electrode, by the sensor
housing or by the environment. A set of electronics, which senses
the change of the capacity and translates it into a command pulse,
is preferably located in a space-saving manner within the handle
device, in particular accommodated by the modular unit in the
sensor system. The command pulse generated by this set of
electronics can for example effect an immediate locking and
unlocking of the vehicle doors. This command pulse can also trigger
a process of checking to what extent the user is authorised to
start an activation of the locking and unlocking system.
[0017] If in a further construction form of the handle device, the
first sensor element is constructed as a piezo-sensor, an
activation takes place via touching of the activation surface. The
piezoelectric sensor, when stressed by a tensile force, compressive
force or a shearing force, generates a displacement of its
electrical charge and thereby an electrical voltage on the
connecting electrodes. In this process only small forces are
sufficient to start an activation of the locking and unlocking
system via the piezo-sensor. Naturally, other types of sensors can
also be used for this above mentioned application, for example
those in the form of a Hall sensor.
[0018] In a further possible embodiment of the handle device, the
outer shell can be constructed with a stop surface, which is in
contact with the activation area. This stop surface can at the same
time serve as an assembly aid, whereby the assembly operator notes
the correct installation position (installation depth) of the
modular unit within the handle device, when the modular unit
contacts the stop surface. Alternatively or additionally latching
elements can be constructed on the inner surface of the cavity,
which ensure a reliable holding of the modular unit.
[0019] The sensor system preferably comprises a second sensor
element facing the vehicle door, which is embodied for example as a
capacitive sensor. This second sensor element can be constructed in
such a way that it allows the authorised user access to the vehicle
in a convenient and simple manner. In this process the user only
needs to grasp the handle device with his hand, whereby the hand
activates the second sensor element at the same time, causing a
signal to be generated which is transmitted to an electrical
control unit. The control unit triggers an access control procedure
already described above. For expediency purposes the second sensor
element is likewise connected to the printed circuit board, which
is already in contact with the first sensor element.
[0020] The modular unit can be fixed to the outer shell with a
positive fitting and/or a force fitting and/or a material
connection. In one possible embodiment the modular unit is
connected to the outer shell by means of a screw connection. If
replacement of the modular unit is necessary, by undoing the screw
connection the modular unit can be removed from the cavity of the
handle device without great assembly effort. In a further
conceivable alternative the modular unit can be laser-welded on to
the outer shell.
[0021] A further advantageous configuration provides that a
screening element is arranged in the modular unit in such a way
that the first sensor element lies essentially between the surface
of the activation region and the screening element. The screening
element can be for example a plate-shaped body made from a metal,
or a plastic foil with a metallic coating, or a metal foil. The
screening element has the task, inter alia, of effectively
preventing interference to the first sensor element due for example
to the emergence of fields emitted by the second sensor element.
The said screening element can assume a diverse range of
three-dimensional shapes, for example it can be embodied in a
planar form or be arranged in a bowl shape underneath the first
sensor element.
[0022] In one possible embodiment the modular unit is constructed
T-shaped on the side having the first sensor element and closes off
the cavity at this point. This T-shaped head region of the modular
unit is preferably arranged outside of the cavity and at the same
times is in direct contact with the walling of the outer shell. The
head region also comprises the activation region with the first
sensor element, which is accommodated by the recess. Starting from
the head region, a foot region extends through the opening of the
cavity and at least partially fills this. In the foot region for
example the printed circuit board with the second sensor element is
accommodated. The foot region and the head region are preferably
connected together to form a single part. A reliable fixing of the
modular unit to the handle device can alternatively be achieved by
the modular unit, which is fixed in a form-fit way in the
cavity.
[0023] A further alternative of the invention provides that the
sensor system is fixed in the cavity in such a way that the surface
of the activation region is located inside the cavity and is in
contact with the inner walling of the outer shell, wherein at the
same time the free surface is arranged above the activation region
on the outer walling of the outer shell. The activation region with
the first sensor element is thus covered by the walls of the outer
shell.
[0024] The above described locking function can also in the present
invention comprise a convenient locking function, which effects an
automatic locking of all vehicle doors and closing of all other
open vehicle openings. Vehicle openings here mean in particular
windows, sliding roofs and convertible tops. The convenient locking
function can be started for example by a long pressure on the
activation region.
[0025] The present handle device relates to diverse motor vehicle
handles, for example pull handles, tilting handles or revolving
handles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Further advantages, features and details of the invention
follow from the following description, in which multiple exemplary
embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the
drawings. The features mentioned in these claims and description
can be essential to the invention either respectively alone in
themselves or in any arbitrary combination. It is shown in:
[0027] FIG. 1 a three-dimensional illustration of vehicle
handle,
[0028] FIG. 2 a top view of the vehicle handle shown in FIG. 1,
[0029] FIG. 3 a section view based on the section line III-III
according to FIG. 2,
[0030] FIG. 4 a possible embodiment of a handle device of a vehicle
door with a modular unit having a screening element underneath the
first sensor element,
[0031] FIG. 5 a further construction of the handle device,
[0032] FIG. 6 a further alternative construction of the handle
device,
[0033] FIG. 7 a handle device in which the modular unit is arranged
completely inside the cavity,
[0034] FIG. 8 an additional alternative of the handle device
and
[0035] FIG. 9 a simplified schematic illustration of the locking
and unlocking system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a handle device 1, having a free surface 7 on
its outer shell 4. The free surface 7 is constructed in the form of
a recess, embodied on the outer shell 4. As FIG. 2 and in
particular FIG. 3 clarify, the free surface 7 is embodied on the
side of the handle device 1 facing away from the vehicle door 2.
The outer shell 4 in the present exemplary embodiment is an
injection-moulded part made of plastic, which has a cavity 5 in its
interior. The thin-walled outer shell 4 has on the side facing away
from the vehicle door 2 a metal layer 3, which in the exemplary
embodiment illustrated is a chrome layer. The said chrome layer can
have a thickness of 30 .mu.m to 1 mm, preferably 100 .mu.m to 800
.mu.m and particularly preferably of 300 .mu.m to 600 .mu.m. The
handle device 1 further comprises a sensor system 6a, 6b, 6c for
the keyless activation of a locking and unlocking system, which is
schematically illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0037] As FIG. 3 makes particularly clear, the sensor system 6a,
6b, 6c has a first sensor element 6a, which is directly assigned to
the free surface 7. The sensor system 6a, 6b, 6c in the present
exemplary embodiment is accommodated by a modular unit 11, which
completely surrounds the sensor system 6a, 6b, 6c. The modular unit
11 has an activation region 8, in which the first sensor element 6a
is arranged. The sensor element 6a in this arrangement is at a
distance from the surface of the activation region 8 that can lie
in a range between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In the exemplary embodiment
shown the first sensor element 6a is constructed as a capacitive
sensor, which is connected to a printed circuit board 6c. The
printed circuit board 6c is furthermore in contact with a second
sensor element 6b, which is arranged on the side of the handle
device 1 facing the vehicle door 2. This second sensor element 6b
is also embodied as a capacitive sensor. The first sensor element
6a works as a type of point sensor, while the second sensor element
6b is constructed as an surface sensor. Naturally, both sensor
elements 6a, 6b can be complemented or replaced by other sensor
elements, for example piezo-sensors, Hall sensors or reed
sensors.
[0038] According to FIG. 3 it is clear that the modular unit 11
extends with its foot region into the cavity 5 of the handle device
1 and the activation region 8 outside the cavity 5 is accommodated
by the recess of the outer shell 4. The region of the modular unit
11 lying outside the cavity 5, which in the following will also be
referred to as the head region, has a further sensor 18, which is a
Hall sensor 18. The head region of the modular unit 11 is spaced
apart from a locking cylinder part 17, which likewise comprises a
Hall element 17 on the side facing the head region. The locking
cylinder part 17 is further embodied by a locking cylinder, in
which a key can be mechanically introduced, in order to manually
trigger a locking or unlocking process at the vehicle door 2. The
locking cylinder part 17 is likewise fitted with a chrome layer 3
on the side facing away from the vehicle door 2. The facing
surfaces of the locking cylinder part 17 and of the head region of
the modular unit 11 are by contrast constructed free of chrome. The
distance between these two surfaces is in the present exemplary
embodiment approx. 1 mm.
[0039] As FIG. 3 makes clear, the modular unit 11 is constructed
with a T-shape on the right-hand opening of the cavity 5, and
closes off the cavity 5 on this right-hand opening side. In the
lower region of the head region of the modular unit 11, this is
connected to the outer shell 4 by means of a screw connection,
which is indicated by the screw axis 19 shown in the drawing.
Further alternative fixings of the modular unit 11 to the handle
device 1 are of course conceivable. The outer shell 4 has
constructed on its free surface 7 a stop surface 9, with which the
activation region 8 is in direct contact. As shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3, the free surface 7 is arranged on the edge region of the
handle device 1, the free surface 7 having an open embodiment on
one side. So that the user can visually locate the activation
region 8 without serious difficulty, the surface of the activation
region 8 is constructed with appropriate colouring. For example,
the surface of the activation region 8 can have a black colour,
while the remaining outer region of the outer shell 4 has a
silver-coloured chrome layer. The contour of the free surface 7 in
the illustrated example corresponds essentially to the end of a
thumb. Further alternative geometrical shapes of the free surface 7
are also possible.
[0040] In the present embodiment according to FIG. 3 the first
sensor element 6a is provided only for a closing process of the
motor vehicle door 2. The second sensor element 6b on the other
hand is electronically installed for an opening process. If for
example the hand of the user approaches the free surface 7, at a
distance of approximately 1 cm the capacitive sensor in the
activation region 8 is activated without touching, which causes a
closing process of the locking and unlocking system of the motor
vehicle to be carried out. The unlocking of the motor vehicle door
2 takes place in a manner whereby the user's hand must be
introduced into the handle device 1 on the side of the outer shell
4 facing the vehicle door 2, so that the second sensor element 6b
is activated by the piezo-effect, whereupon a signal is output to
an electrical control unit 20, shown in FIG. 9. In the electrical
control unit 20, which is integrated in the vehicle 16, such a
signal triggers a data interrogation of a data carrier 21 on the
operator side, which the electrical control unit 20 passes on to
multiple sending and receiving units 22, which the data
interrogation transfers electromagnetically to the data carrier 21.
The data carrier 21 in this system is located with the user,
wherein the data carrier 21 for example can be integrated in the
key or is embodied as a type of chip card that the user carries on
their person. The data carrier 21 also has sending and receiving
units not shown, which then send identification data signals to the
sending and receiving units 22 on the motor vehicle side, which are
then fed to the control unit 20. If the transmitted identification
data signals of the data carrier 21 correspond to the
identification data stored in the control unit 20, unlocking of the
door lock takes place by means of the control unit 20. Further
details of this bidirectional communication of the electronic
access control device are described in DE 103 31 440 A1 and in DE
301 196 17 038 C2.
[0041] So that a reliable functioning of the second sensor element
6b is guaranteed, the inner side of the handle device 1, which
faces the vehicle door 2, is also embodied without a metallic
coating. The control unit 20 in the present exemplary embodiment is
connected to the sensor system 6a, 6b, 6c via conductor tracks 15.
A wireless connection is of course also conceivable between these
cited components. The cited sensor elements 6a, 6b can for example
communicate with the control unit 20 over a radio link. In this
case a BlueTooth-system based connection is also conceivable.
[0042] In FIG. 4 a further alternative form of the handle device 1
is shown according to FIGS. 1-3. The activation region 8 lying
outside the cavity 5 has a screening element 12 underneath the
first sensor element 6a, which consists of a plastic foil with a
metallic coating. The screening element 12 is moulded in an oval
shape, in such a way that the first sensor element 6a is
effectively screened from possible electrical fields, which can
arise for example due to the second sensor element 6b. The modular
unit 11 has on the free end of its foot region, which faces away
from the head region, data leads 15, which are connected to the
control unit 20. As is clear from FIG. 4, the modular unit 11 only
partially fills the cavity 5.
[0043] In FIG. 5 a partial section of the handle device 1 is
illustrated, which essentially consists of the handle device 1 from
FIGS. 1-4. The essential difference however is that the activation
region 8 is positioned in the recess 7 below the surface. The
screening element 12 in this embodiment has two wall elements,
which are aligned at an obtuse angle to each other. In addition,
the possibility also exists to construct the activation region 8 of
the head region of the modular unit 11 so that it projects out of
the outer surface of the handle device 1, which is shown
schematically in FIG. 6.
[0044] In a further conceivable alternative embodiment the modular
unit 11 can be arranged in its entirety inside the cavity 5, an
example of which is shown in FIG. 7. In the region of the opening
of the cavity 5 the first sensor element 6a is arranged, which is
arranged on the side of the vehicle door 2 facing away. The metal
layer 3 is applied to the surface of the outer shell 4. The outer
walling 14 directly above the first sensor element 6a--which
simultaneously represents the free surface 7--is constructed
without a metallic coating according to the invention, in order to
guarantee a reliable functioning of the first sensor element 6a. On
the side facing the vehicle door 2 the modular unit 11 has the
second sensor element 6b, which is embodied as a type of surface
sensor on the edge region of the modular unit 11. The modular unit
11 shown in FIG. 7 can be fixed for example by a laser welded joint
to the inner walling 13 of the cavity 5. The modular unit 11 can be
also fixed in a form-fit way in the cavity 5.
[0045] In FIG. 8 the modular unit 11 also lies, as in FIG. 7,
completely inside the cavity 5, whereby the modular unit 11 is
constructed with a comparable head region from the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6. The modular unit 11 is in this case
essentially L-shaped, the activation region 8 being in contact with
the first sensor element 6a on a stop surface 9 arranged inside the
outer shell 4. The modular unit 11, in contrast to the other
exemplary embodiments, has no second sensor element.
[0046] The handle devices 1 described can comprise sensor elements
6a, 6b, which can have touch- and/or proximity sensor
embodiments.
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